Anyone think the American guys could sweep the podium? With no Yan and Kovtun, the field just opened up a whole lot. I really like Hino and think he's improved a lot this season and not always appreciated by the judges, so I'd be thrilled for him to come away with a medal, however, Omori does have a lovely 3a and his SP from Nationals was WOW , so if he can skate another short like that and then have a strong FS, idk, I think he could put up a big score, over 200 at least. Jin is an amazing technical skater, but he's really just a little boy still, and his artistry isn't quite on the prodigy level of his jumps just yet. Omori otoh is 17 and more complete and mature in his presentation. Even if he doesn't medal I hope he can come away with a good result here, he has so much potential. There are other good skaters in the field but not too many with the 3a - Zhang was good last year but has been out the whole season, no clue if he has the 3a now. Kolyada has a huge 3a but I know very little about him, watched the videos from Russian JN seems like a solid enough skater but maybe a little rough around edges, also some say he has been very inconsistent historically? I wouldn't know though. Really hoping Josh can come through with a medal of some color and land his quad though, would be just the thing to help make USFS recognize him as a real contender for Sochi going into next season.

Anyone think the American guys could sweep the podium? With no Yan and Kovtun, the field just opened up a whole lot.

Boyang Jin has 4T.
Kolyada has not quad, but has good 3A (and 3A+3T combo), his skating at Junior Nationals was good, he can compete with Jason Brown.
Samarin has not 3A, but has good, stable skating (all GOE at Junior Nationals were positive).
Japanese boys are good.